Lens Frame Vacuum Adsorption for Precision Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lens apparatuses face difficulties in precisely adjusting the positions of multiple lenses within a lens barrel due to the lack of effective methods for fixing and maintaining the adjusted state, particularly when there are many lenses, leading to potential misalignment and challenges in reproducing the adjusted positions.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves using a first and second lens frame with a penetration hole for vacuum adsorption to temporarily fix the frames, allowing for precise adjustment and stabilization of lens positions through the use of an adjusting main body with side surface openings and a presser ring for final fixation within the lens barrel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the lens frame is temporarily fixed during adjustment, then the lens frame can be positioned, but the adjustment precision deteriorates due to the fixing force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens frame positioningVSAvoidadjustment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses vacuum suction through penetration holes to hold the lens frame during adjustment. This pneumatic approach replaces mechanical fixing with suction force, allowing the lens frame to be positioned stably without the interference of fixing forces that would prevent precise adjustment. The vacuum holding force can be applied uniformly without creating localized stress points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If multiple openings are provided in the lens barrel for adjustment, then the lens frame can be accessed, but the risk of misalignment increases due to external contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens frame accessibilityVSAvoidlens position alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the adjustment function from the lens barrel structure by providing a separate adjustment main body with openings. The lens frame is adjusted in the adjustment main body and then transferred to the lens barrel. This separation allows easy accessibility during adjustment while preventing external contact and misalignment risk during normal operation, as the lens barrel itself does not require openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If lens positions are adjusted manually, then the adjustment process is simple, but the adjustment precision deteriorates when there are many lenses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment process simplicityVSAvoidlens position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service adjustment by providing penetration holes that allow vacuum suction to automatically hold the lens frame in position. The operator simply needs to initiate vacuum suction, and the system automatically maintains the lens frame position without requiring continuous manual intervention or complex fixing mechanisms, making the adjustment process both simple and precise even for multiple lenses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Shape

If the adjusted lens group is transferred from the adjustment main body to the lens barrel, then the final product structure is achieved, but the adjusted state may not be reproduced accurately

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens barrel structureVSAvoidadjusted state reproduction

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using vacuum suction to hold the lens frame in the precisely adjusted position within the adjustment main body before transfer. The penetration holes enable vacuum holding that maintains the adjusted state during the transfer process to the lens barrel, ensuring that the precise positioning achieved during adjustment is preserved when the lens group is moved to its final location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method enables easy and accurate adjustment of lens positions, maintaining the adjusted state without requiring temporary fixation forces and minimizing misalignment, even with multiple lenses, by utilizing vacuum suction through penetration holes and a presser ring for stable integration.

Implementation Method 1

Air is suctioned and discharged via the penetration hole such that the first lens frame and the second lens frame are temporarily fixed through vacuum adsorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum adsorption: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS11150435B2Lens apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.10.19 MITUTOYO CORP

AI summary

The present invention includes a plurality of lenses that are disposed such that optical axes are aligned in an axial direction, a first lens frame that holds a first lens of the plurality of lenses, and a second lens frame that holds a second lens of the plurality of lenses. The first lens frame comes into contact with the second lens frame and is disposed on one side of the second lens frame in the axial direction. The second lens frame includes a penetration hole penetrating the second lens frame from the other side in the axial direction to the one side in the axial direction. Air is suctioned and discharged via the penetration hole such that the first lens frame and the second lens frame are temporarily fixed through vacuum adsorption.